Two Kinds Of Charting L&G

There are two ways in which to distinguish Law and Gospel. Both of them make use of a L&G chart made up of two columns. The common understanding of charting L&G is the spiritual use of the Law in the left hand column as that of “mirror” or “hammer” in S.O.S.; that is, showing our sin. The right hand column headed “Gospel” counters the specific application of the Law as found in the left hand column. For example, if the Law’s accusation mirrors our sinful condition, the right hand column would point to the forgiveness of sins as the antidote. Note that in this charting of L&G, both columns are proper Biblical uses that God would make of Law and Gospel.

However, the less common understanding of charting L&G is based on Romans 6:14, “…for you are not under law but under grace.” The concept of being “under law” does not refer to being in obedience to the law or being accused by the law. Instead, it refers to a way of life that assumes progress in the spiritual realm takes place as it does in the temporal realm; that is, by your efforts and your works. The left hand column, headed by “Under the Law” provides ways in which the unbelieving heart assumes that getting right with God is by our efforts. The right hand column, headed by “Under the Gospel” provides ways which counter the left hand side of the column.

For example, passages of the Bible have completely different applications depending on whether one reads them from the point of view of being “under the Law” or “under the Gospel.” For example, the famous John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall never perish” can be read in 2 ways. Those who interpret it from under the Law will conclude that belief or faith is a work that we do to save ourselves. Many evangelical pastors are making such a conclusion when they instruct their listeners to “invite Christ into the heart” or “say the prayer of invitation” or “make a choice” etc. Those who interpret it from under the Gospel will conclude that even our faith is a gift from God and that therefore a person is saved not “by faith” as his work but “by grace, through faith, on account of Jesus Christ.”

At this time we have pinpointed many passages of the Bible that are understood quite differently when the distinctions between “living under the Law” and “living under the Gospel” are kept apart. More on this to come but in the meantime, you might have a comment or question for clarification.